Dean Delegate Day

Zephyr at the o-blog reminds us that today is also Vermont Town Meeting Day - the epitome of small-d democracy, in the fine New England Tradition. I also hear that there are some delegates being assigned today - unfortunately Texas is not part of Super Tues because of a Delay. Tom Delay, to be precise.

But our duty is clear. As the essay from the Burlington Free Press says:

The ancient Greeks and the American founders believed that a community reflects the character and virtues of its members. By fostering close human relations, politics in a democracy enables individuals to transcend selfish interests and consider the community's well-being.

Whether all that goes on in a typical Vermont town meeting is another issue, but it is a reminder of the potential intimacy of local democracy compared with the alienating remoteness of large-scale politics.

Town meeting participation can be personally transforming. Many people discover new self-confidence when speaking their minds before their neighbors. Their voice matters; their arguments have been taken seriously. Such personal empowerment is at the core of the democratic ideal and forms the base of community.

Individuals can make a difference. They do every year on Town Meeting Day in Vermont.

That's exactly the point of the Dean campaign - reminding us of the cllective, integrative nature of small-d. Casting our vote for Dean today and every other primary or caucus day is how we, the People, can return to the roots of our democracy and the principles upon which our Republic was founded.

VOTE DEAN TODAY! and take your small-d democracy back.